Boston MedFlight, ShandsCair Completions in Works at Metro Aviation

Shreveport, La.-based Metro Aviation has started a completions project for Boston MedFlight’s new EC145, around the same time as securing an agreement to finish an EC155 for the University of Florida’s ShandsCair.

Representatives of Boston MedFlight met with Metro officials during a visit to American Eurocopter at the start of production for the EC145. Among the enhancements planned for the helicopter are Metro’s EMS kit, Stryker MX Pro Litter, seating for three and an onboard LOX system. Other equipment will include the North Flight Data Systems light aircraft recording system (LARS), Super Night Scanner, balloon pump and SX5 Mini Night Sun.

The ShandsCair helicopter represents the fourth EMS-configured EC155 in the U.S., with Metro also completing the first three. Metro will install a number of enhancements through its FAA supplemental type certificate (STC) for the variant obtained in December 2011. A storage system, strobe lights, oxygen mount and patient restraint system are all part of the STC installation. Eurocopter plans to hand over the green aircraft to Metro in third quarter 2013, with entry into service projected by first quarter 2014.